By Chivas Owle
October is American Pharmacists Month! The purpose of American Pharmacists Month is to recognize the role pharmacists play on the health care team. This includes pharmacists in every practice setting, from community pharmacy, to hospital pharmacy, to industry, academics and beyond. American Pharmacists Month is the perfect chance for pharmacists to reaffirm the pledge they make to care for their patients. Pharmacists are encouraged to take this opportunity to promote their role as strong patient advocates. The annual theme for American Pharmacists Month is “Know Your Medicine, Know Your Pharmacist.”
According to the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the objectives of American Pharmacists Month include recognizing the vital contributions made by pharmacists to health care in the United States and enhancing the image of pharmacists as the medication experts and an integral part of the health care team, not just dispensers of medication.
In addition to these objectives, APhA also hopes to educate the public, policy makers, pharmacists, and other health care professionals about the key role played by pharmacists in reducing overall health care costs by improved medication use and better patient care and to encourage patients to “Know Your Medicine and Know Your Pharmacist” to ensure that drug therapy is as safe and effective as possible.
These goals can be accomplished in many ways. APhA has an event planning guide to help pharmacists spread the word and promote the role of pharmacists as an integral part of the health care team. The type of events recommended varies by practice setting. For example, a pharmacist in a community setting might consider holding a public health screening or holding an informational session on over the counter products. A pharmacist in an inpatient setting could consider visiting patient rooms or creating a display to promote pharmacy services. The most important part of any activity is educating the audience about the beneficial effects that pharmacists can have on patients’ health.
Colleges of Pharmacy have historically been very enthusiastic in supporting American Pharmacists Month. Many colleges have health screenings and other public health events to celebrate. Anna Peck, a pharmacist in Iowa, said, “I have pharmacy students coming to do a number of different things. We’ll have students for three days to do blood pressure screenings as well as cardiovascular risk assessments. We have one day of APhA’s Heartburn Awareness, and one day of bone density screenings. We’ve also planned two big off site clinics for Operation Immunization, with more to come.”
Technicians and other pharmacy staff are encouraged to be involved as well. Banners, flyers, posters, and other signage can be used to promote American Pharmacists Month. Patients can be educated and encouraged to use the services pharmacists can provide to promote patient health. When visiting the pharmacy, patients may respond to a simple message such as, “This is Everyplace Pharmacy, we are happy to be celebrating American Pharmacists Month. How may I help you?” Staff members are encouraged to be involved and help spread the word.
American Pharmacists Month is the perfect opportunity to educate the public and other health care professionals about the value of the pharmacist as a medication expert! Pharmacists are encouraged to take this chance to advocate for the profession and help promote pharmacy based services. To plan a successful event the pharmacist should be creative and consider the needs of the local community.
Local media involvement can help raise community awareness. Several steps are necessary for this to happen. Pharmacists should let the media know of any events well in advance. Media advisories, pitch letters, and press releases also help get the word out. Media kits distributed to reporters at the event and to outlets that were unable to attend the event are helpful when the reporter is trying to put a story together. Follow up with thank you cards, calls, or emails to outlets that publish information about the event. Keep copies of any stories that are run about the event – these can be used in future media kits!
Pharmacists and pharmacy students interested in making American Pharmacists Month a success are encouraged to learn more at the American Pharmacist Association website dedicated to the event, view the event planning guide, learn how to get local media involvement, and to take every opportunity to help get the word out! Also, please share any events your pharmacy has done in the past or is planning to do this year in the comments section below!
Chivas Owle is a third year PharmD Candidate at the University of Florida.
